As automobiles become increasingly more “auto,” we transfer ownership of “self.” Self is one of those dual concepts: We know how to speak of “self,” but, given its complexity, we have trouble defining it.
So, let’s look at the concept. I know a couple of things. Self is always rooted in some kind of place, either real or imagined. Self appears to will its presence in either kind of place as a consequence of immediate or long-term decision. Self also seems to vacillate between recognition and estrangement. There, that’s what I know about Self.
Of course, there’s more to Self than that. I’m just not sure what that “more” is or how to define it. Maybe you know. Okay, since you ask, I’ll hazard something else:
Having control of the throttle seems to be an essence of Self. If I let my car drive me, I might feel at the least that I have control over the destination. “Car, take me to the closest grocery store.” See, I can control the destination. But I don’t have control over the trip. I like “auto” when it means “I” during the traveling. I like Self that evolves through trial and error, through the excitement of discovery, experimentation, and challenge. I might be typical, and if I am, I embody the Self of every “next generation” that rejects at least some of the “auto” prescribed by the previous generation. I like having control of the throttle, and I guess that you do, too.
The next time you find yourself complaining about your predecessors or your successors, keep in mind that they, also, like having control of the throttle.
So, let’s look at the concept. I know a couple of things. Self is always rooted in some kind of place, either real or imagined. Self appears to will its presence in either kind of place as a consequence of immediate or long-term decision. Self also seems to vacillate between recognition and estrangement. There, that’s what I know about Self.
Of course, there’s more to Self than that. I’m just not sure what that “more” is or how to define it. Maybe you know. Okay, since you ask, I’ll hazard something else:
Having control of the throttle seems to be an essence of Self. If I let my car drive me, I might feel at the least that I have control over the destination. “Car, take me to the closest grocery store.” See, I can control the destination. But I don’t have control over the trip. I like “auto” when it means “I” during the traveling. I like Self that evolves through trial and error, through the excitement of discovery, experimentation, and challenge. I might be typical, and if I am, I embody the Self of every “next generation” that rejects at least some of the “auto” prescribed by the previous generation. I like having control of the throttle, and I guess that you do, too.
The next time you find yourself complaining about your predecessors or your successors, keep in mind that they, also, like having control of the throttle.
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